Outfit Post: Tropical Print Top + Leather Skirt

Last week, I got to talk about some spring and summer essentials on My Carolina Today (view that post here) One of the items was this tropical print tee. Would you believe me if I told you this was from the Nicki Minaj Collection for KMart?!? That's what I love about fashion... there's always a surprise in store! Anyways... I plan on living in it this summer. Why? Because there are so many ways to style it! Here's how I wore it for the segment and the rest of my work day.

Nicki Minaj Collection printed mesh tee (gifted)

Zara coated faux leather skirt (old - almost identical option)

Zara sandals (old - similar style)

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Mini Pashli (splurge option)

Sole Society "Danielle" sunglasses c/o

J.Crew classic pave bracelet

Caravelle New York gold tone watch

I absolutely love the colors and the print on this tee. It's so bright and summery! But to make it office appropriate, I paired it with a pleated midi skirt and black heels. This kept it dressed up enough for work but still fun and cheeky. If your work doesn't allow open toe sandals, just swap them out for some pumps. 

P.S. I'm REALLY into these fab sunnies from Sole Society. I love the retro-ish shape! So perfect for casual beach days or dressed up occasions. 

Did you guys have a fabulous vacation? I'm still recovering from Key West. Let's just say... I'm not as young as I used to be! Hope you guys enjoyed it - I'm just excited about this 4 day work week. We're already halfway there! Happy Wednesday! xoxo

linking up with: The Pleated Poppy, Because Shanna Said So, I Feel Pretty, Book of Leisure, The Stylish Housewife, Mid Week Muse, Oh Hey Girl!  Tucker Up, My Girlish Whims, Style Me Wednesday, Classy Yet Trendy, Cappuccino & Fashion, || Style Sessions Why I Do DeClaire. Elegantly Dressed & Stylish, & Garay Treasures||

Outfit Post: Neon Yellow Jacket

I love a great blazer, dark denim and a perfect pair of shoes. This outfit has all those elements, but with a new twist on those classic pieces. A neon colored jacket, destroyed pair of skinny jeans & purple suede sandals, combine together to create a fabulous and casual yet put together ensemble! 

{photos by Em Grey photography}

Zara neon yellow jacket (almost exact duplicate here)

Zara blouse (old - identical option)

American Eagle jegging in Dark Destroy

Sole Society "Sable" sandal in Lilac

Kendra Scott "Rae" necklace in White Iridescent

Caravelle NY watch in Gold Tone (gifted)

Belliza Knight vintage-inspired ring (gifted)

I know this jacket is about 3 years old, but you won't believe this almost exact duplicate I discovered that comes in 3 different colors. And the price is spot on.

Don't be afraid to mix your color combos up. The black blouse and dark denim help tie in the bright colors nicely, don't you think? 

I hope that you guys are already having a great week. 4 more days and we've reached the 3 day weekend! I don't know about you, but I am really excited about some vacay downtime. Until then, let's plan on having an amazing Tuesday, okay? xoxo

Shop my look:

linking up with: Erin & Laura The Pleated Poppy, Because Shanna Said So, I Feel Pretty, Book of Leisure, The Stylish Housewife, Mid Week Muse, Oh Hey Girl!  Tucker Up, My Girlish Whims, Style Me Wednesday, Classy Yet Trendy, Cappuccino & Fashion, ||

Spring & Summer Essentials on My Carolina Today

If you tuned into My Carolina Today this morning, thanks for watching!

{Click here to watch the segment}

Here are some additional details and links to all the products featured in the segment. 

 Design Essentials "Coconut & Monoi" line (shop here)

This line is SO perfect for summer - the natural Coconut and Monoi oils are just what your hair needs in order to quench it's thirst. Bonus - they smell absolutely AMAZING.

ShinyMix "Bubbly Glitzs" statement necklace (find it here)

Golden Arrow cuff bracelet (find it here)

Statement jewelry is one of my favorite ways to dress up any outfit - whether it's casual or more formal. A great crystal necklace pairs well with a white tee and jeans. Why not stack on a gold bangle with mixed metals or wear by itself for an eye catching accessory? Day or night, the options from ShinyMix will have your wardrobe and your budget thanking you!

 

Nicki Minaj "Lattice Halter Jumpsuit" (shop it here)

 

Nicki Minaj "Mesh Printed Scuba Top" (shop it here)

I know what you were thinking when you first heard Nicki Minaj and clothing line together - can I wear this? Guess what - you CAN! These are just 2 of my favorite items from her KMart collection. A jumpsuit is something every gal should own. It's like wearing pajamas - incredibly dressy pajamas! P.S. Don't forget to check back later this week for 2 ways you can wear this printed scuba top! 

Thanks for watching and have a great Monday!!

Outfit Post: It's Black & White

A few weeks ago, I got to host The Impeccable Pig Raleigh's birthday party. I've said it once, I'll say it again - this store is beyond fantastic. Not only do they have the cutest styles that are right on trend, but their prices.... right up a normal gal like me's alley! Usually, I find the brightest, most neon item in the store. But this time, I reached for a complete black and white ensemble that felt incredibly chic.

{photos by Em Grey photography}

The Impeccable Pig "Veronica" top (gifted)

The Impeccable Pig Pleated & High Waisted shorts (gifted - available in stores)

Shoemint "Elyse" sandals (sold out - these are similar)

Crystal Pendant necklace gifted from The Impeccable Pig

GiGi New York "Madison" crossbody bag c/o

BCBGeneration #MYO Affirmation Bracelets c/o Belk (on sale here!)

Michael Kors "Bradshaw" Watch

Blu Bijoux Pearl Bubble bangles c/o Max & Chloe

First a big thank you to everyone who came out to the birthday party! It was so much fun to meet all of you!

After I picked out these two separate pieces, the girls at TIP said they wouldn't have thought to put them together, but that they loved it!. And that's why I love what I do. My mind tends to gravitate towards putting together outfits that are unexpected. You might not have ever thought would certain things would work, but when you try it on and wear it with confidence, they totally do. Even though my outfit is black and white, that's not how I tend to think about fashion or getting dressed. I always say it should be fun and experimental - take a risk!

I'm excited because I've got these pieces coming up in a few future posts so I can show how I would style them separately. Can't wait to share! Happy Wednesday everyone!

shop my accessories:

linking up with: The Pleated Poppy, Because Shanna Said So, I Feel Pretty, Book of Leisure, The Stylish Housewife, Mid Week Muse, Oh Hey Girl!  || TBT Mid-Life, Mix & Match Fashion, Stylin' in St. Louis, Treat Yo' Self Thursday, Thoughts for Thursday, Twenties Girl

Outfit Post: It's Electric!

You guys better run (not walk) your fingers over to J.Crew to score these pants. They're already marked down 50%. But today is the last day you can score an additional 30% off which makes them under $35! I've had my eye on them for months, so I'm SO excited I got such a great deal on them!

J.Crew "Reese" jogger pant (use code SALETREAT for 30% off)
Zara blouse (sold out but this option is super similar)
Sole Society booties (so old - but these are similar)
DaisyGem sequin clutch c/o - identical option)
Sole Society "Vivian" sunglasses c/o
Moon & Lola "Hashtag" necklace
Kendra Scott "Parker" stud earrings
Lipstick is a combo of "Electric Orange" and "Vibrant Mandarin"
Forever 21 nail polish

I wore this outfit for Sunday's church service and brunch with my family for Mother's Day. It was so incredibly comfortable, yet dressy enough for some celebrating with my Mom! Summer is coming which means I'm about to start sporting Neon as much as possible.

How fun are my new sunnies? They add a flash of 60's flair to this modern outfit.

Also I got a few questions about the sizing of these pants on my instagram post, so if you're wondering about how these fit: I am wearing a 2 R. The 0 was just a smidge too tight in the butt for me. Oh did I mention they come in 5 colors, which are all on sale too? Insert *Praise Hands Emoji*

Hope you guys have a fabulous (and brightly electric) Tuesday! xoxo

linking up with: Style Sessions. Why I Do DeClaire. Elegantly Dressed & Stylish, & Trend Spin || The Pleated Poppy, Because Shanna Said So, I Feel Pretty, Book of Leisure, The Stylish Housewife, Mid Week Muse, Oh Hey Girl!  || TBT Mid-Life, Mix & Match Fashion, Stylin' in St. Louis,Treat Yo' Self Thursday, Thoughts for Thursday, Twenties Girl

Not Just Any Spicy Tequila Cocktail Recipe with Hornitos

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Although there are often common misconceptions about the holiday itself, (it actually isn't celebrated in Mexico, but by American Latinos who wanted freedom and racial equality during our Civil war) it's still fun to celebrate. Plus, in my book, any excuse to drink tequila and eat guacamole and consider it a holiday, is perfectly fine by me. 

If there's one thing I love, it's a good cocktail. Until recently, my cocktail-making experience only went as far as popping champagne and adding orange juice. But since we bought our home and added in a bar, I've been experimenting more and more. I have to say, it's pretty fun! So when Hornitos asked me to create a "Not Just Any" cocktail recipe, I jumped at the chance! 

I don't know about you, but I'm full on obsessed with spicy drinks. If it has Jalapeno or Spicy or Cayenne in the name, chances are I'm ordering it (and then several more after that) So I wanted to try created my own Jalapeno-infused tequila. It turns out, it's not as hard as you think! So check out how I created this Spicy Jalapeno Cucumber Cocktail and then you can re-create yours for your own Cinco de Mayo festivities!

Spicy Jalapeno Cucumber Margarita Cocktail

For this recipe you will need:

Hornitos Tequila Plata (I usually prefer a blanco tequila over a reposado)

Jalapeno

Limes

Oranges

Cucumbers

Cilantro

Simple Syrup*

1. Blister your jalapeno by grilling, broiling or roasting it over a gas flame. Stem the jalapeno and chop it. Add to about 2 cups of tequila (or more depending on how many people you're making this for) Let sit for at least an hour or up to a few days. The longer the jalapenos sit, the spicier the tequila. Separate the chilies and tequila through a mesh strainer. Discard the jalapenos.

2. Juice your limes and lemon until you have about 4 oz of each. This will create 2 drinks.

3. In a cocktail shaker, muddle a few slices of cucumber (I used 4) and a handful of cilantro. Add the following for two cocktails:

4 oz. Lime juice

4 oz. Orange juice

4 oz. Jalapeno infused tequila

Simple syrup (note: I don't like sweet drinks so I did not add this in. If you want to add for more sweetness, you can)

Ice

4. Shake all ingredients together.

5. Ring your glasses with either a Salt-Cayenne combo or Sugar-Cayenne combo. Strain your cocktail mixture evenly between the 2 glasses.

6. Start drinking!!

The combination of the spicy jalapeno paired with the cool cucumber... Mmmm! Don't blame me if you plan to make quite a few of these. I know Bill & I enjoyed them!

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Hornitos via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Hornitos.

Linking up with Thoughts for Thursday